Cup heroes return to runners-up

Keeper Jeffries, 29, and Turnbull, who scored in Blyth's second round win against Hartlepool United last season and swapped glory on the pitch for life at sea last year to train as a marine engineer, both returned to Croft Park on Saturday .

After embarking on an alternative career to train as a marine engineer at South Shields Marine School, midfielder Turnbull told fans he couldn't wait to play for the club again.

The 28-year-old said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be back at Blyth. I’m really buzzing and can’t wait for next season. Hopefully, we’ll keep most of the lads from last year and maybe make some good additions.

“The lads have to go in to the new campaign with lots of confidence having achieved some great victories and played some fantastic football.”

Turnbull, who followed Blyth’s progress during the second half of the season while at sea, had options to go elsewhere including South Shields but had little doubt about where he would end up.

“Shields is my home town but I spoke to Tom [Wade] and it was Blyth for me. I love playing football for the Spartans. I love the fans and I think they like me.

"Everything about the club is great, from top to bottom. We may not have a budget to match some other clubs but the chairman manages things well and I can’t speak highly enough about the club in general!"

Jeffries is back after a spell at Consett to compete with Adam McHugh for the number jersey. Spartans boss Wade was delighted to beat a number of other clubs to his signature after Fabian Otte returned home to Germany.

Wade said: “Peter is top signing for us. It’s a sign of our intent for the coming season. Other clubs were in for Peter but I’m very pleased he decided to return to Blyth.

"He’s a very experienced player who will help out a young back four. He dominates his box and is a bit of a legend at the club after the 2014-15 FA Cup run.

“We now have two fantastic keepers at the club – Peter and Adam McHugh fighting for the number one shirt."

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